The Okotoks Oilers' 2024-2024 rookie of the year and unsung hero from last season, Brett Wilson, returns to the team after a successful campaign with the Green and Gold.
Not only is Wilson putting points up on the board again, but he's doing so while sporting an 'A' patch as one of the team's assistant captains.
"It's an honour, especially being a younger person in this league. It means a lot. To show that I have the abilities to lead players that are older than me and show them what it means to be an Oiler. It's an honour," Wilson said.
The 18-year-old forward mentioned that he likes to lead by example on the ice while still being a leader vocally on the bench or in the dressing room.
"There are times you got to speak and tell everyone what is needed. But there are also times you got to listen and just go do you," he added.
Wilson talked about his formative hockey experiences, which included watching his brother and regular trips to the outdoor rink with his dad, a buddy, and his buddy's dad. Wilson fell in love with the sport immediately after playing for the first time.
When Wilson started to play hockey competitively he started out as a defenceman looking up to future Hall of Famers/three-time Stanley Cup winners Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane.
Wilson wears the number 5 on the back of his jersey, which is somewhat unconventional, as it's usually reserved for defencemen.
"I think for the most part it wasn't the most picked number growing up, I kind of got stuck with that. I don't know, it kind of just grew on me. I was a defenceman, switched to forward, and stuck with it," Wilson explained.
Wilson made the switch to forward in his Atom years when his team was down a few forwards. After scoring a slew of goals, he ended the game as a full-time forward.
When prompted about his preference between offensive and defensive play, Wilson said both have their ups and downs.
"You need both, I think I play a 200-foot game, so a bit of both. But, obviously, scoring goals is nice," he added.
Wilson also added that he likes to bring a bit of everything to his play style, citing six-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron as an inspiration.
While Wilson isn't the tallest player in the league, he does know how to use his size to his advantage and can lay out some crushing hits as seen in last year's playoffs in game six against the Brooks Bandits when dealt a monstrous hit to Quinn McCall.
"It has always been a part of my game. As a smaller player, people probably don't think I will get them that good, but I'll surprise them. It's good for the team, gets energy going, and it feels good for myself," Wilson explained.
Wilson joined the Oilers at a tumultuous time, with their play being halted when news broke of the team's move to the BCHL. Ultimately, he enjoyed the staggered season, joking about having to play Brooks "20 times" by the end of it.
Whereas Wilson was mainly playing with Jagger Tapper and Sam Huck during his first season, nowadays he shares a line with fellow returning Oilers Hunter Sawka and Jackson Rowland.
"We know a bit about everyone's play, so it helps us communicate, and we know how to support each other without telling each other how to support each other. It's nice," he said.
He's committed to Bemidji State University to play in the NCAA Division 1 following the conclusion of his junior career. The commitment came just a few weeks before the regular season started.
"It means a lot. So we moved to the BCHL and that's when I was kind of was playing my best hockey last year I think. They came out to watch and they met me after a game. They loved how I played and we kept in contact. I then fell down to them and loved my experience there, they were really welcoming and had great facilities. I didn't commit right away, I was just thinking about it. School was a big part of it for me, and I wasn't sold on what I wanted to do, it wasn't about the school. But then I thought it was a great fit, there is not many other places I would rather be. It was a no-brainer," Wilson said.
He joked that he won't hold back against former Oilers like Dean Spak, Jagger Tapper, and Connor Gourley when he meets them on university ice, knowing that there'll always be friendly banter after the whistle.
Wilson said that the electric energy of the Green Army means a lot to him.
"I remember last year, we were playing Brooks in the BCHL and we were down 6-5. I tied it up with a minute left and the energy that came from that was the best feeling in the world because we had a big number and everyone was into the game. When the fans are there and making noise it really energizes the team. It's huge, it gives me goosebumps," he praised.
10 Questions with Brett Wilson
What is your go-to cheat meal?
"Whenever I have a good game at home my billet family will make some tater tots and chicken nuggets. It hits the spot after a game. Got some plum sauce and some siracha on the chicken nuggets and cheese sauce on the tater tots. It's unbelievable."
Favourite player and team growing up?
"Growing up, Patty Kane and the Blackhawks. Now, the Edmonton Oilers."
What is your favourite sport other than hockey?
"Golf."
What is your guilty pleasure song?
"Don't Stop the Music by Rhianna."
Do you prefer using black or white hockey tape?
"I switched to black tape. I had this one skill coach who said if there is white tape and they are making mistakes on the ice, it's the white tape's fault. You can't see it against the ice, with black tape you got contrast."
What is your pre-game ritual?
"I don't have a big normal one, just a couple of little ones throughout the day. Good ol' coffee in the morning, just a medium from Tim Hortons. Some days it's a white hot chocolate chai tea bag actually, french vanilla, or just two cream and one sugar."
Favourite movie and TV show?
"Movie, I have to go the Fast and the Furious. We watch those a lot. My show growing up was Brooklyn Nine-Nine, now I'm into Prison Break."
If you could meet anyone in the world alive or dead who would it be?
"Muhammad Ali, he is the definition of a champion. Talk to him about his mindset."
Would you rather visit the past or go into the future?
"I would go back in time, I think it was more simpler back then. Maybe when cars were first starting to come out."
If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you would buy?
"A new Truck. A Tacoma."
Bonus
If you had any superpower, what would you choose?
"Read people's minds."
What is your secret talent?
"I can backflip on flat."
Does anyone bug you that you have the same name as a person from Dragon Den?
"I wouldn't say it's teasing but, sometimes I play a joke and say 'Yeah that's my uncle.'"